A little more competition at the marts has seen a slightly positive shift in the trade, but mostly for store lambs. As factory agents push to keep factory throughput high, increased activity at marts has seen prices of factory lambs improve, but only slightly.

Lambs from 45kg to 50kg are selling mainly from €93 to €97/head, with prices rising to close on €103/head at the top. Prices are averaging at about €96 to €97/head.

Lighter types from 40kg to 45kg have seen a slight improvement, with prices of €86 to €92/head being achieved and the average making around €90/head.

There is slightly improved demand for store lambs right across the country.

Heavy rain has resulted in the premature housing of stock on heavier farms. With strong grass covers still in place, farmers are focusing on sourcing store lambs, with a view to grazing off wetter areas. Stores from 35kg to 40kg are selling mainly from €72 to €78/head, back by €1 to €2/head. Light stores from 30kg to 35kg are selling mainly from €60 to €70/head, with averages at €67/head, similar to last week.

Lamb quotes in the North are running at £3.80/kg for 21kg lambs, steady on last week.

Cull ewes

The cull ewe trade is seeing prices range from €85 to €115 for good-quality fleshed types, while feeding ewes are making from €55 for plain broken mouth types to €80 for good-quality heavy ewes.